Birthday Party Planning in the North West

At Lancashire PA Hire, we love birthdays – and we think your birthday party should be as unique as you! From planning your guest list and perfecting your outfit to finding a caterer and fine tuning your playlist, your party should be all about you.

Whether you’re planning your own big day or organising a surprise soiree for a friend or loved one, organisation is key. In an effort to help you throw a truly bespoke birthday bash, we’ve put together the ultimate party planning checklist – helping you take the stress out of your big birthday so you can focus on fun, fizz and fancy dress (if that’s your thing)!

1. The Guest List

Planning your guest list should be one of the first tasks on your party planning itinerary – and this is likely to change several times before you reach a final decision. Keeping numbers within your budget can be a difficult task, so start by putting your guests into groups; eg. family, friends, work colleagues etc. This will help you decide who you want to be there and allow you to keep track of numbers.

Remember, it’s your party – you can invite who you want to!

2. The Venue

When it comes to venues, you’re spoilt for choice in the north west. From picturesque to party central, you’ll find any number of options in and around Manchester, Preston, Blackburn and Bury. From quaint countryside hotels to grand inner-city hosts, the north west is brimming with venue options for your big bash. Here are some ideas to get you started on your search:

Thornton House Hotel is set against the backdrop of the stunning Wirral countryside – and with a team on hand to help you every step of the way, this venue is the last word in sophistication

The Living Room in Deansgate, Manchester is the perfect party host. If you’re looking for a lavish and luxurious way to spend your birthday , ‘the possibilities are as endless as your imagination’

Brockholes is a floating visitor village in Preston and offers a truly unique party venue. With panoramic views and onsite catering available, you can have your cake and eat it, too!

When it comes to reaching the venue, ensuring there are transport options available to your guests is key. Manchester is major road, rail and air hub – meaning your friends and family shouldn’t have any trouble getting to your venue of choice – whether it’s in the city or further afield. Here are some useful websites to help your guests get around:

3. Accommodation Options

Whether you’re inviting people to your birthday bash via a Facebook event, asking them in person or popping invites in the post, be sure to ask your guests to RSVP. Prepare for the fact that not every person you invite to your party will be able to attend – and once your numbers are whittled down, you can begin to think about catering.

With your guest list finalised, it’s time to think about accommodation options. If your guests are travelling from around the country or even overseas, suitable accommodation will be a priority – and the North West of England is brimming with overnight options. If you’re planning a party in the Wirral, Preston, Manchester, Blackburn or any other area in the north west, check out these sites for a guide to staying in the area:

With your guests taken care of, you can pull on your party shoes and prepare to dance the night away!

4. The Music

At Lancashire PA Hire, we appreciate a good knees up, and nothing gets the party started like an enthusiastic DJ. Thanks to our range of party entertainment options, we’ve got something to suit everyone’s tastes.

As specialists in the entertainment industry, we understand the importance of some well timed tunes – and if you’re planning a party in the north west, we’ll be happy to supply the ultimate soundtrack to your evening. So whether you want to slow dance with your loved one or get your grandma grooving, at Lancashire PA Hire, we’ll make sure your party music provides something for everyone.

5. The Food

When it comes to parties, fun should always be on the menu – but you’ll want some actual food, too! From fancy finger food to sit down dinners, the choice is yours – and if you need a helping hand rustling up some first class cuisine, there are plenty of caterers who will be happy to help. Here are some of the best in the business:

Birthday cakes can be a tasty addition to your party, but while many people opt for a traditional cake, birthday cupcakes are becoming increasingly popular. Choosing a number of cupcakes over a standard cake means you can hand them out to guests, rather than having to cut a larger cake on the night of your party. Whether you decide on one cake or several, here are some of our favourite north west cake designers:

6. The Final Touches

Once all of the big jobs are taken care of, you can start thinking about adding the final touches to your festivities – and from bespoke balloons to personalised table decorations, your options are endless. If you’re hosting a birthday celebration in the north west and are looking to find the best party supplies shops, here’s some of our favourites: